Do you make New Year’s resolutions? I always do. A New Year always brings with it promise and uncertainty, but this coming year brings with it a greater foreboding than we have experienced in the past. The Chinese have a saying: “May you live in interesting times.” But their definition means dangerous or turbulent. We in Louisiana and throughout America certainly live in “interesting” times today.

Should Vietnamese who came into the United States, fleeing communist control and devastation of Vietnam or other circumstances prior to the resumption of diplomatic relations in 1995 be subject to deportation?

The Trump administration says yes and claims that the focus is upon certain Vietnamese who have committed violent crimes, but appears to be interpreting current law to expand the population of Vietnamese who might be eligible for deportation.

For those recovering from Turkey stuffed with family invasions, Black Friday’s, Cyber Monday’s and who looking for some sanity, albeit brief until Christmas and Hanukkah start spreading good cheer and gifts, you’re in luck.

The President has made illegal immigrants who have moved in to what are called “sanctuary cities a major issue in recent months, even signing an executive order cutting off funds to municipalities that ignore federal law. The Crescent City is in the forefront of ignoring federal law and protecting those there illegally.

In the aftermath of Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn’s decision to ban city booster clubs using municipal playgrounds from spending tax dollars to purchase Nike products there has been a torrent of criticism. He was bashed online as a racist and bigot, while others said his actions were typical of so-called intolerance from Republicans.

In his response on Monday, Zahn said he did not want Kenner citizens to be used as pawns in Nike’s “political campaign.” This characterization is totally accurate for Nike’s decision to highlight unemployed quarterback Colin Kaepernick as the “face” of their new advertising campaign is clearly political.

As Labor Day approaches, Monday, and if you are a Louisiana resident, why not start the month of September 2018 off with a family outing--at The National WWII Museum in New Orleans.

Here is a press release from one of the greatest museums in the world:

The National WWII Museum is again showing its appreciation to local supporters by offering discounted admission to Louisiana residents. For the fourth consecutive year — during the entire month of September — locals will have the opportunity to enjoy the Museum’s exhibits and galleries for only half the price of a regular Museum Campus Pass.

Louisiana is having a bad “hair week” it seems in overall rankings as Wallet Hub releases its rankings for best and worst states to have a baby, attend a community college and woman’s equality. The results? Not very good.

WalletHub also released its best cities to retire. New Orleans led Louisiana with a 19th spot rank.

The Queen City of the South is under siege. No, not from hurricanes. This time, the siege is from within. New Orleans is known as the city that care forgot. But it’s been hard to let the good times roll in the Big Easy when the dice keep coming up snake eyes.

New Orleans is in a battle to stay afloat as it deals with major street crime, inept public officials, and a dysfunctional criminal justice system where even federal officials can no longer be trusted. Author James Lee Burke writes about this corruption and dysfunction in his novel Last Car to Elysian Fields. “One of the most beautiful cities in the Western hemisphere was killed three times, and not just by forces of nature.”

Louisiana business shorts: New Orleans is hosting two programs focusing upon business and entrepreneur leadership. On Today and tomorrow, the economic development organization for the region, GNO Inc. Next month, Facebook is coming to the region to help digitize the small business community, the Facebook way. Here are the particulars: